How to do a cardio workout with extremely weak legs?(revised)?!
Question: I recently had spinal surgery, and as result of a mishap, I was paralyzed for a month and a half from my last rib and down. My legs have suffered muscle atrophy(mostly my right leg, my left leg is almost back to full strength). I am still using a crutch, and if I try to walk fast, my right leg locks up and spasms. I want to get back into shape, but I dont know what I can do for a cardio workout. I am going to physical therapy, but we work mostly with my legs, and dont do much else. I wont make it this week so i was wondering if there was anything I could do at home during this time. Any suggestions?
Oh, and to the ignorant people(l0ve$dah0liday$) who think I am whining, this is not whining. I am asking for ways to exercise in an attempt to improve my condition. It has nothing to do with patriotic. If it were up to me I would be joining the military next year, but this is a "medical disqualification". So please, shut up and let the helpful people answer.
Answers: I recently had spinal surgery, and as result of a mishap, I was paralyzed for a month and a half from my last rib and down. My legs have suffered muscle atrophy(mostly my right leg, my left leg is almost back to full strength). I am still using a crutch, and if I try to walk fast, my right leg locks up and spasms. I want to get back into shape, but I dont know what I can do for a cardio workout. I am going to physical therapy, but we work mostly with my legs, and dont do much else. I wont make it this week so i was wondering if there was anything I could do at home during this time. Any suggestions?
Oh, and to the ignorant people(l0ve$dah0liday$) who think I am whining, this is not whining. I am asking for ways to exercise in an attempt to improve my condition. It has nothing to do with patriotic. If it were up to me I would be joining the military next year, but this is a "medical disqualification". So please, shut up and let the helpful people answer.
When you cannot move your legs fast, it certailny is difficult to get your heart rate up...or is it? When you are attempting to walk...what is your heart rate reaching? When someone has had an injury such as yours, it may take you more effort to move your legs, and therefore something as simple as walking might be enough to get up your heart rate. You need to check it.
If it is not, however, your next best bet it to do so with some type of continuous motion of the arms. It is physically harder to reach the target heart rate with primarily and upper extremity workout, but in your case, it might be your best bet.
Some local gyms have an upper body ergometer which is like a stationary bicycle for the arms. Another bet, of course, would be swimming...if your legs are not moving efficiently enough to kick and you need help to stay afloat, some type of pool bouey might be needed...but other than that, swimming is an excellent way to initiate cardio (and good for the back too).
good luck with your rehab.
As a person who has to use crutches to get around the two things that I can do is walk and swim. I don't know if you have access to a YMCA or other facility where you might be able to swim. It would let you exercise with out putting a lot of pressure on the joint and it would raise your heart rate. Also I can walk even if it's not very fast. You're trying to build up you legs muscles work on that than the cardio will come. One thing at a time. IF you focus on trying to move fast to raise your heart rate you might further damage the leg. Believe me I know how frustrating it can be. But it's best in the long run to focus on getting your leg better and than working back up to cardio. Actually it's not easy doing a cardio work out with out the use of your legs. So focus on that first the rest will come.
When my friend broke his leg (in several spots) he would get his heart rate up by lifting smaller weights higer reps-with his upper body.The sweat poured off his face and I was amazed the workout he could get without using his lower body. Continue therapy and it should all fall into place.
Take little steps - as frustrating as that maybe just keep going...good luck to ya
Your gonna have to be more specific about your condition.
I mean are pull ups a realistic goal? I would suggest those but I dont know if you could do them...it sounds like you might wanna just hold off a bit. whats the rush you know.
anyways,
if nothing else try what our boys in IRAQ are doing...saluting their soldier haha. At least you can do it without bombs flying over ur head. Count your blessings man
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